Business Communication

Description

Business Communication Program Description

The Business Communication program offers a communication degree with specialized skills and knowledge in business, writing, and design in order to prepare competent communication practitioners. Students majoring in Business Communication are prepared for a range of career opportunities in positions such as those found in corporate communication, marketing, public relations, and non-profit leadership among others or to enter graduate school. Graduates gain the skills necessary to listen to, appreciate, and empathize with diverse voices and perspectives which enhances their problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills in both the public and private sectors.

Communication courses, along with those in business, writing, and design, provide a firm foundation for communication practitioners and the adaptable skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly diverse, expanding, and dynamic workforce. Students learn the core elements of competent communication to work with or on diverse communication and creative problem-solving and decision-making teams found in today’s market. Coursework is enhanced and supplemented with practical application through reflection on adult students’ lived experiences. Ultimately, graduates of this program are the people that organizations and communities seek to help collaborate and connect with a myriad of individuals and audiences. 

Objectives

Business Communication Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Communication, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply communication concepts, theories and practices to diverse contexts and audiences.
  2. Assess competency of communication practices in personal and professional settings.
  3. Generate creative solutions to ethical and professional problems through critical thinking and collaborative interaction.
  4. Synthesize knowledge and skills in communication, business, writing, and design in professional contexts outside the classroom.
  5. Interpret diverse perspectives and advocate with empathy for oneself and others.      

Policies

Business Communication Program Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. Furthermore, the lowest acceptable grade is a “C” in all major courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next major course without earning a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below a “C” is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course. The lowest acceptable grade in Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses is a “D,” with the exception of ENG 151 and ENG 152, for which the lowest acceptable grade is a “C.” If a SEE course is required for the major the lowest acceptable grade is a “C.”

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree in business communication. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

Communication Core Required Courses - 30 credits

CM 101Public Speaking

3 credits

CM 115Interpersonal Communication

3 credits

CM 205Communication Ethics

3 credits

CM 211Intercultural Communication

3 credits

CM 255Small Group Communication

3 credits

CM 260Business and Professional Communication

3 credits

CM 275Principles and Practices of Public Relations

3 credits

CM 310Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

3 credits

CM 390Organizational Communication

3 credits

CM 490Capstone

3 credits

Business Core Required Courses - 13 credits

MATH 136Introduction to Statistics

4 credits

MGT 204Principles of Management

3 credits

MKT 206Principles of Marketing

3 credits

MKT 316Principles of Negotiation and Sales

3 credits

Writing Core Required Courses - 9 credits

CM 323Writing for the Web

3 credits

GPS 200Adult Learning Theory & Practice

3 credits

MGT 210Business Writing

3 credits

Design Core Required Courses - 6 credits

GDES 125Fundamentals of Digital Media

3 credits

PHOTO 141Basic Digital Photography

3 credits

Technology Required Courses - 6 credits

IS 135MS Office Applications

3 credits

IS 260Presentation Theory and Application

3 credits

Minor in Business Communication

A minor in business communication is not available.  A minor in communication is available.

Other Options

Bachelor's to Master's Option: The bachelor's to master's option is available for students majoring in business communication who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a bachelor's to master's option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their Student Success Coach. A master's degree in Communication Studies is available. For more information on this program, see the Admissions section in this catalog.